Screen coating fixture and sealed configuration of plate-like members

Abstract

A screen coating jig (10B) for screen coating a sealing member (7) on a surface of a plate-shaped member (3) having a convex portion (30) in a manner so as to span the convex portion (30) is provided with a jig main body (11) composed of a member having higher rigidity than the sealing member and placed on the surface of the plate-shaped member (3). The jig main body (11) has a first surface (11a) opposed to the surface of the plate-shaped member, a second surface (11b) on the opposite side of the first surface, and a pair of division surfaces (113, 113) extending from the first surface to the second surface and dividing at least a portion of the jig main body into a first portion (111) and a second portion (112). The first surface has a recess (115, 115) fitted with the convex portion of the plate-shaped member from a starting point of an intersection portion (114, 114) with the division surfaces. The division surfaces are uniform in height from the first surface to the second surface, and the width between the pair of division surfaces is narrowed at a position corresponding to the recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a screen coating fixture for screen coating a sealing component onto a plate-shaped member, and a sealing structure for the plate-shaped member. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, there are known fixtures for screen coating paste onto a plate with an uneven surface, such as the separator of a fuel cell unit. For example, in the fixture described in Patent Document 1, a mating protrusion and recess are formed on the surface of the coating target member in a mask integrally provided with the screen, which can be embedded in the uneven surface formed on the coating target member, and at least one of the mating protrusion and the mating recess has an opening for coating paste.

[0003] However, when forming a closed space facing a plate with an uneven surface, a sealing member may sometimes be formed that spans the surface of the plate. In such cases, to ensure a tight seal, it is preferable to make the height of the sealing member uniform. However, this is not mentioned in Patent Document 1.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-087504 (JP2017-087504A). Summary of the Invention

[0007] One technical solution of the present invention is a screen coating fixture for screen coating a sealing member across the protrusion on the surface of a plate-shaped member having a protrusion. The screen coating fixture includes a fixture body, which is composed of a component with higher rigidity than the sealing member, and is placed on the surface of the plate-shaped member. The fixture body has: a first surface opposite to the surface of the plate-shaped member; a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a pair of dividing surfaces extending from the first surface to the second surface and dividing at least a portion of the fixture body into a first part and a second part. The first surface has a recess that engages with the protrusion of the plate-shaped member, starting from the intersection with the pair of dividing surfaces. The height of the pair of dividing surfaces from the first surface to the second surface is uniform, and the width between the pair of dividing surfaces narrows at a position corresponding to the recess.

[0008] Another technical solution of the present invention provides a sealing structure for a plate-shaped member comprising: a plate-shaped member having a protrusion; and a sealing member disposed on the surface of the plate-shaped member in a manner spanning the protrusion. The sealing member has a uniform height from the surface of the plate-shaped member, and the width of the sealing member narrows at the location spanning the protrusion. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention are further illustrated by the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the overall structure of a fuel cell stack having a sealed configuration of a plate-shaped member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram showing the schematic structure of the electrode assembly contained in the fuel cell stack.

[0012] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the power generation cell along III-III.

[0013] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A front view of an example of a sealing structure near the through-hole of a partition.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a front view showing an example of a screen coating fixture according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 Sectional view of VI-VI.

[0016] Figure 7 It is partially shown Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the screen coating fixture.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the sealing component.

[0018] Figure 9 It is used to explain the composition Figure 4 A diagram showing the properties of the resin material used in the sealing components.

[0019] Figure 10 It is to utilize Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a sealing component coated by a screen coating fixture.

[0020] Figure 11 It is to utilize Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of a sealing component coated by a screen coating fixture.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a screen coating fixture according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 13 It is to utilize Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of a sealing component coated by a screen coating fixture.

[0023] Figure 14 It is to utilize Figure 12 A three-dimensional view of a sealing component coated by a screen coating fixture.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a front view illustrating an example of the sealing structure of a plate-shaped member according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 15 Embodiments of the present invention will be described. The screen coating fixture of the embodiments of the present invention is a fixture for screen coating a sealing member across the protrusion on the surface of a plate-shaped member having protrusions, for example, a fixture for screen coating a sealing member on the separator of a fuel cell with an uneven surface. Furthermore, the sealing structure of the plate-shaped member in the embodiments of the present invention is a sealing structure provided across the protrusion on the surface of the plate-shaped member having protrusions, for example, a sealing structure provided on the surface of the separator of a fuel cell with an uneven surface. The fuel cell, for example, is mounted in a vehicle and can generate electricity to drive the vehicle. First, the overall structure of the fuel cell stack, which is a component of the fuel cell, will be briefly described.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the overall structure of a fuel cell stack 100 having a sealed structure with plate-like members according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, for convenience, the three mutually orthogonal axial directions are defined as the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction, as shown in the figures, and the structure of each part is described according to this definition. These directions are not necessarily the same as the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions of a vehicle. For example... Figure 1 The front-back direction can be the front-back direction of the vehicle, the left-right direction, or the up-down direction.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell stack 100 has a battery stack 101 formed by stacking multiple power generating cells 1 in the front-to-back direction, and end units 102 disposed at the front and rear ends of the battery stack 101, and is generally rectangular in shape. The length of the battery stack 101 in the left-to-right direction is longer than its length in the top-to-bottom direction. For convenience, Figure 1 A single power generation cell 1 is shown. The power generation cell 1 has an electrode assembly 2 and separators 3, 3, wherein the electrode assembly 2 has a junction including an electrolyte membrane and electrodes, and the separators 3, 3 are disposed on the front and rear sides of the electrode assembly 2 and clamp the electrode assembly 2. The electrode assembly 2 and the separators 3 are arranged alternately in the front-rear direction.

[0028] The separator 3 has a pair of front and rear thin metal plates with a corrugated cross-section, and the outer peripheries of these plates are joined together to form a single unit. The separator 3 is made of a corrosion-resistant and conductive material, such as titanium, titanium alloy, or stainless steel. A cooling channel for the flow of a cooling medium is formed inside the separator 3, and the power generation surface of the power generation cell 1 is cooled by the flow of the cooling medium. Water, for example, can be used as the cooling medium. The surfaces of the separator 3 opposite to the electrode assembly 2 (front and rear surfaces) are formed into an uneven shape by pressing or other methods to form a gas flow channel between the separator and the electrode assembly 2.

[0029] The front partition 3 of the electrode assembly 2 is, for example, an anode-side partition (anode partition), forming an anode flow channel for fuel gas flow between the anode partition 3 and the junction of the electrode assembly 2. The rear partition 3 of the electrode assembly 2 is, for example, a cathode-side partition (cathode partition), forming a cathode flow channel for oxidant gas flow between the cathode partition 3 and the junction of the electrode assembly 2. For example, hydrogen can be used as the fuel gas, and air can be used as the oxidant gas. Sometimes, the fuel gas and oxidant gas are not distinguished and are referred to as reactant gases.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of electrode assembly 2. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 As shown, the electrode assembly 2 has a generally rectangular connector 20 and a frame 21 supporting the connector 20. The connector 20 is a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and has an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode disposed on the front surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode electrode disposed on the rear surface of the electrolyte membrane.

[0031] The electrolyte membrane can be, for example, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, such as a perfluorosulfonic acid membrane containing water. In addition to fluorinated electrolytes, hydrocarbon electrolytes can also be used.

[0032] The anode electrode is an electrode catalyst layer formed on the front surface of the electrolyte membrane, serving as the reaction field for the electrode reaction. A gas diffusion layer for diffusing and supplying reactant gases is disposed on the front surface of this electrode catalyst layer. The cathode electrode is an electrode catalyst layer formed on the rear surface of the electrolyte membrane, serving as the reaction field for the electrode reaction. A gas diffusion layer for diffusing and supplying reactant gases is disposed on the rear surface of this electrode catalyst layer. The electrode catalyst layer includes a catalytic metal that promotes the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen contained in the fuel gas and oxygen contained in the oxidant gas, a proton-conducting electrolyte, and electron-conducting carbon particles. The gas diffusion layer is composed of a permeable conductive component, such as porous carbon.

[0033] At the anode electrode, the fuel gas (hydrogen) supplied via the anode channel and gas diffusion layer is ionized by the catalyst and moves towards the cathode electrode through the electrolyte membrane. The generated electrons are extracted as electrical energy via an external circuit. At the cathode electrode, the oxidant gas (oxygen) supplied via the cathode channel and gas diffusion layer reacts with the hydrogen ions exported from the anode electrode and the electrons that have moved from the anode electrode to produce water. The generated water provides appropriate humidity to the electrolyte membrane, and the remaining water is discharged to the outside of electrode assembly 2.

[0034] The frame 21 is a thin plate in a generally rectangular shape, made of insulating resin, rubber, or the like. A generally rectangular opening 21a is provided in the center of the frame 21, and a connecting body 20 is provided to cover the entire opening 21a. On the left side of the opening 21a of the frame 21, three through holes 211 to 213, which penetrate the frame 21 in the front-back direction, are arranged in a vertical direction. On the right side of the opening 21a, three through holes 214 to 216, which penetrate the frame 21 in the front-back direction, are arranged in a vertical direction.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, through holes 311-316 are formed in the front and rear partitions 3 of the electrode assembly 2 at positions corresponding to the through holes 211-216 of the frame 21, respectively, penetrating the partitions 3 in the front-rear direction. The through holes 311-316 communicate with the through holes 211-216 of the frame 21. These interconnected through holes 211-216 and 311-316 form flow channels PA1-PA6 (shown as arrows for convenience) that penetrate the battery stack 101 and extend in the front-rear direction. Flow channels PA1-PA6 are sometimes also referred to as manifolds. Flow channels PA1-PA6 are connected to external manifolds of the fuel cell stack 100.

[0036] The flow channel PA1 (solid arrow) extending forward through through holes 211 and 311 is the fuel gas supply flow channel. The flow channel PA6 (solid arrow) extending rearward through through holes 216 and 316 is the fuel gas discharge flow channel. The fuel gas supply flow channel PA1 and the fuel gas discharge flow channel PA6 are connected to the anode flow channel opposite to the front surface of the coupling body 20. As shown by the solid arrow, the fuel gas flows in the left-right direction in the anode flow channel through the fuel gas supply flow channel PA1 and the fuel gas discharge flow channel PA6. The connection between the anode flow channel and other flow channels PA2 to PA5 is achieved by the sealing member 7 (…). Figure 3 Cut off. The fuel gas flowing in the fuel gas discharge channel PA6 is a portion of the fuel gas used at the anode electrode, sometimes referred to as fuel exhaust gas.

[0037] The flow channel PA4 (dashed arrow), extending forward through through holes 214 and 314, is the oxidant gas supply channel. The flow channel PA3 (dashed arrow), extending rearward through through holes 213 and 313, is the oxidant gas discharge channel. The oxidant gas supply channel PA4 and the oxidant gas discharge channel PA3 communicate with the cathode channel opposite the rear surface of the assembly 20, as shown by the dashed arrows. The oxidant gas flows in the left-right direction in the cathode channel via the oxidant gas supply channel PA4 and the oxidant gas discharge channel PA3. The communication between the cathode channel and other channels PA1, PA2, PA5, and PA6 is achieved by the sealing member 7 (…). Figure 3 (Cut off). The oxidant gas flowing in the oxidant gas discharge channel PA3 is a portion of the oxidant gas used at the cathode electrode, sometimes referred to as oxidant exhaust gas. Sometimes, fuel exhaust gas and oxidant exhaust gas are not distinguished and are referred to as reaction exhaust gas.

[0038] The flow channel PA5 (single-dot dashed arrow) extending forward through through holes 215 and 315 is the cooling medium supply channel. The flow channel PA2 (single-dot dashed arrow) extending backward through through holes 212 and 312 is the cooling medium discharge channel. The cooling medium supply channel PA5 and the cooling medium discharge channel PA2 are connected to the cooling channels inside the baffle 3, and the cooling medium flows through the cooling medium supply channel PA5 and the cooling medium discharge channel PA2 in the cooling channels. The connection between the cooling channels and other channels PA1, PA3, PA4, and PA6 is achieved by the sealing member 7 (…). Figure 3 ) cut off.

[0039] The end units 102 disposed on the front and rear sides of the battery stack 101 respectively have a wiring plate 4, an insulating plate 5, and an end plate 6. It should be noted that the front end unit 102 is sometimes referred to as the dry-side end unit, and the rear end unit 102 as the wet-side end unit. A pair of wiring plates 4, 4 are disposed on the front and rear sides of the battery stack 101, separated by the battery stack 101. A pair of insulating plates 5, 5 are disposed on the front and rear sides of the battery stack 101, separated by the wiring plates 4, 4. A pair of end plates 6, 6 are disposed on the front and rear sides of the battery stack 101, separated by the insulating plates 5, 5.

[0040] Terminal block 4 is a generally rectangular plate-shaped member made of metal, having terminals for extracting electricity generated in the battery stack 101 through an electrochemical reaction. Insulating plate 5 is a generally rectangular plate-shaped member made of non-conductive resin or rubber, electrically insulating terminal block 4 and end plate 6. End plate 6 is a plate-shaped member made of metal or high-strength resin, for example, a long, thin connecting member in the front-to-back direction that connects the front and rear end plates 6 to each other, fixed to end plate 6 with bolts. The fuel cell stack 100 is held in a state where it is pressed in the front-to-back direction by end plates 6, 6 through the connecting member. The housing surrounding the battery stack 101 can be used as the connecting member, or the end plates 6, 6 can be fixed to the front and rear ends of the housing, respectively.

[0041] Multiple through holes 102a to 102f are provided on the rear end unit 102, extending through the end unit 102 in the front-to-back direction. It should be noted that the through holes 102a to 102f include through holes penetrating the wiring plate 4, through holes penetrating the insulating plate 5, and through holes penetrating the end plate 6, respectively. However, for convenience, in... Figure 1 In the diagram, these are uniformly represented as through holes 102a to 102f. Through hole 102a is located on the extension line of the fuel gas supply channel PA1 and communicates with it. Through hole 102b is located on the extension line of the cooling medium discharge channel PA2 and communicates with it. Through hole 102c is located on the extension line of the oxidant gas discharge channel PA3 and communicates with it. Through hole 102d is located on the extension line of the oxidant gas supply channel PA4 and communicates with it. Through hole 102e is located on the extension line of the cooling medium supply channel PA5 and communicates with it. Through hole 102f is located on the extension line of the fuel gas discharge channel PA6 and communicates with it.

[0042] More specifically, a fuel gas tank storing high-pressure fuel gas is connected to through-hole 102a via an ejector, injector, etc., and the fuel gas in the fuel gas tank is supplied to the fuel cell stack 100 through through-hole 102a. A gas-liquid separator is connected to through-hole 102f, and the fuel gas (fuel exhaust gas) discharged through through-hole 102f is separated into fuel gas and water in the gas-liquid separator. The separated fuel gas is drawn in via the ejector and then supplied to the fuel cell stack 100. The separated water is discharged to the outside through a drain channel.

[0043] A compressor for supplying oxidant gas is connected to through-hole 102d, and the oxidant gas compressed by the compressor is supplied to the fuel cell stack 100 through through-hole 102d. The oxidant gas (oxidant exhaust gas) flows out to the outside through-hole 102c. A pump for supplying cooling medium is connected to through-hole 102e, and the cooling medium is supplied to the fuel cell stack 100 through through-hole 102e. The cooling medium is discharged from through-hole 102b. The discharged cooling medium is cooled by heat exchange in a radiator and then supplied back to the fuel cell stack 100 through through-hole 102e.

[0044] The above is a general outline of the structure of the fuel cell stack 100. The fuel cell stack 100 is housed in a roughly box-shaped casing and mounted in a vehicle.

[0045] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the power generation cell 1 along line III-III. (See attached image.) Figure 3 As shown, an anode flow channel An is formed between the anode partition 3 on the front side and the electrode assembly 2 (joint body 20), and a cathode flow channel Ca is formed between the cathode partition 3 on the rear side and the electrode assembly 2 (joint body 20). Figure 4 This is a front view showing an example of the sealing structure near the through hole 311 (fuel gas supply channel PA1) of the diaphragm (anode diaphragm) 3, showing the surface (rear surface) near the through hole 311 of the diaphragm 3 opposite to the electrode assembly 2 (frame 21).

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, multiple (only one is shown in the figure) semi-cylindrical protrusions 30 are provided on the surface of the partition 3 opposite to the electrode assembly 2. The protrusions 30 form connecting channels that connect the through holes 311, 314 (reaction gas supply channels PA1, PA4) with the gas channels An, Ca. Among these connecting channels, the connecting channel that connects the fuel gas supply channel PA1 with the cathode channel Ca and the connecting channel that connects the oxidant gas supply channel PA4 with the anode channel An are closed.

[0047] A sealing member 7 is provided on the surface of the partition 3, spanning the protrusion 30 and surrounding the through holes 311 and 314. The sealing member 7 can be made of thermosetting elastomers such as silicone, polyurethane, and fluorine, thermoplastic elastomers, synthetic rubber, or natural rubber. The top of the sealing member 7, which is provided on the surface of the partition 3, is in close contact with the electrode assembly 2 (frame 21), thereby cutting off (sealing) the reaction gas supply channels PA1 and PA4 from the non-connected gas channels Ca and An and the external space EX.

[0048] More specifically, Figure 1The fuel cell stack 100 is pressed in the front-back direction by end plates 6, 6 via connecting members, thereby applying a front-back compressive load to the sealing member 7. The sealing member 7 is pressed and undergoes elastic deformation, and the top end of the sealing member 7 is in close contact with the electrode assembly 2 (frame 21). At this time, the compressive load applies surface pressure to the top end of the sealing member 7, thereby ensuring the sealing state of the reaction gas supply channels PA1, PA4.

[0049] Thus, when a closed space is formed facing a plate-shaped member such as a partition 3 with protrusions 30, it is preferable to make the height of the sealing member 7 uniform in order to ensure sealing. Therefore, in this embodiment, the screen coating fixture is configured as follows to screen coat the surface of the partition 3 with protrusions 30 with a sealing member 7 of uniform height across the protrusions 30.

[0050] <First Implementation>

[0051] Figure 5 This is a front view showing an example of a screen coating fixture (hereinafter referred to as fixture) 10A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view of VI-VI. (See attached image.) Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the clamp 10A has a clamp body 11 placed on the surface of the partition 3, which serves as the coating surface, and a connecting portion 12 that connects the first part 111 and the second part 112 of the clamp body 11.

[0052] The clamp body 11 and the connecting portion 12 are constructed from components with higher rigidity than the sealing member 7. The clamp body 11 and the connecting portion 12 can be made of metals such as stainless steel. The clamp body 11 and the connecting portion 12 can also be made of materials that have undergone waterproofing treatment with resins such as Teflon (registered trademark) or silicone. Considering the material of the sealing member 7, the width of the connecting portion 12 is set to a sufficiently small value (e.g., approximately 100 μm) to avoid unevenness on the surface of the coated sealing member 7.

[0053] The clamp body 11 has a first surface 11a opposite to the surface of the partition 3, a second surface 11b opposite to the first surface 11a, and a pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113 extending from the first surface 11a to the second surface 11b and dividing the clamp body 11 into a first part 111 and a second part 112. Figure 5In the example, the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113 are arranged in a ring shape, completely dividing the clamp body 11 into an inner first part 111 and an outer second part 112 surrounded by the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113. The pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113 can also be arranged in a line segment or a curved segment shape, partially dividing the clamp body 11 into the first part 111 and the second part 112. In this case, the connecting part 12 connecting the first part 111 and the second part 112 may not be provided, and the clamp 10A can be constituted only by the clamp body 11. Hereinafter, the space between the first part 111 and the second part 112, in other words, the space between the first surface 11a and the second surface 11b and the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113, will be referred to as the groove 13.

[0054] The fixture body 11 is formed, for example, by forming a lower layer 14 including a first surface 11a and an upper layer 15 including a second surface 11b as separate bodies, and then joining the lower layer 14 and the upper layer 15 together. In this case, the lower layer 14 includes a first portion 111 and a second portion 112, and the upper layer 15 includes the first portion 111, the second portion 112, and a connecting portion 12. Alternatively, the fixture body 11 and the connecting portion 12 can be integrally formed, and the fixture body 11 can be divided into the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 and the connecting portion 12 can be formed by processing such as etching or rolling.

[0055] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing part of the clamp 10A, schematically illustrating the state in which the sealing member 7 is screen-coated across the protrusion 30 on the surface of the partition 3 having the protrusion 30 using the clamp 10A. Figure 7 As shown, in screen coating, the fixture 10A is first placed on the surface of the partition 3, which serves as the coating surface, with the first surface 11a of the fixture body 11 facing the surface of the partition 3 having protrusions 30. Next, a paste P of a thixotropic resin material such as silicone, polyurethane, fluorine, thermosetting elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, synthetic rubber, or natural rubber is placed on the second surface 11b of the fixture body 11. Then, the paste P is pushed to the second surface 11b around the groove 13 using a scraper 16. By sliding the scraper 16, the paste P is applied to the surface of the partition 3 via the groove 13. By hardening the paste P, a sealing member 7 is formed on the surface of the partition 3. This screen coating can be performed manually or automatically using a screen printing apparatus with a mounting table for fixing the partition 3, a fixture 10A, and a scraper 16.

[0056] The first surface 11a of the clamp body 11 has a pair of recesses 115, 115, which engage with the protrusions 30 of the partition 3, starting from the intersections 114, 114 with the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113. One of the recesses 115, 115 is located in the first portion 111 of the clamp body 11, and the other is located in the second portion 112 of the clamp body 11. When the clamp body 11 is made of metal, a material that has been waterproofed with resins such as Teflon (registered trademark) or silicone can be used only in the recesses 115.

[0057] By providing a recess 115 on the first surface 11a of the fixture body 11 opposite to the coating surface, which engages with the protrusion 30 of the partition 3, displacement of the fixture body 11 relative to the coating surface can be limited even when pressure is applied to the fixture 10A in the sliding direction of the scraper 16 during coating. This allows for precise screen coating on the surface of the partition 3.

[0058] In this way, by using a clamp body 11 and a scraper 16 with relatively higher stiffness than the sealing member 7 for screen coating, it is possible to prevent the sealing member 7 from being coated outside the groove 13, and to coat and form a sealing member 7 along the shape of the groove 13.

[0059] The clamp body 11 is formed such that the depth of the groove 13 is uniform, that is, the height h1 from the first surface 11a to the second surface 11b of the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113 is uniform. Therefore, the height of the sealing member 7 formed by coating along the shape of the groove 13 defined by the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113, the first surface 11a (the surface of the partition 3) and the second surface 11b (the scraper 16) of the clamp body 11 is approximately uniform.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing member 7, which is coated on the surface of the partition 3. Figure 9 This is a diagram used to illustrate the properties (thixotropic properties) of the resin material constituting the sealing member 7. For example... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, under the same coating conditions such as the composition of the paste P, the thickness d of the sealing member 7, which is made of a thixotropic resin material, after curing is determined by the width w of the portion in contact with the surface of the partition plate 3. That is, the larger the width w of the sealing member 7 (wider), the larger the thickness d of the sealing member 7 (higher), and the smaller the width w of the sealing member 7 (narrower), the smaller the thickness d of the sealing member 7 (lower). The width w of the sealing member 7 is equivalent to the width w of the groove 13 of the clamp 10A, that is, equivalent to the width w between the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113 of the clamp body 11.

[0061] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing member 7, which is coated using clamp 10A. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the sealing component 7, which is coated using clamp 10A. (See image below.) Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the width w and thickness d of the sealing member 7 coated using the fixture 10A are uniform throughout the entire extension direction of the sealing member 7. The sealing member 7 extends along the surface of the partition 3, which includes the protrusion 30, so the height h2 of the sealing member 7 from the surface of the partition 3 is higher than the height of the protrusion 30 at the position where the sealing member 7 crosses the protrusion 30 than at other positions.

[0062] Thus, when the height h2 of the sealing member 7 from the surface of the partition 3 fluctuates, in Figure 4 In the extending direction of the sealing member 7, it is applied to the... Figure 3 Fluctuations in the linear pressure (sealing load) at the top of the sealing member 7, which is in close contact with the electrode assembly 2 (frame 21), may lead to leakage at locations with low linear pressure. It should be noted that the linear pressure is the average value per unit length in the extension direction of the sealing member 7, which is the surface pressure applied to the top of the sealing member 7, which is in close contact with the electrode assembly 2 (frame 21), by means of the compressive load.

[0063] <Second Implementation>

[0064] Figure 12 This is a perspective view partially showing the clamp 10B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing member 7, which is coated using clamp 10B. Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the sealing member 7 coated using the clamp 10B. A point differing from the first embodiment will be explained: the clamp 10B is configured such that the width w (width w of the groove 13) between the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113 of the clamp body 11 narrows at the position corresponding to the recess 115. More specifically, as... Figure 12 As shown, the width w1 of the groove 13 at the position corresponding to the recess 115 is set to be smaller than the width w2 of the groove 13 at other positions (w1 < w2).

[0065] In this case, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the height h2 of the sealing member 7, coated using the fixture 10B, from the surface of the partition 3 is uniform throughout the entire extending direction of the sealing member 7. That is, the width w1 of the sealing member 7 at the position spanning the protrusion 30 is smaller than the width w2 of the sealing member 7 at other positions, and the thickness d of the sealing member 7 is smaller at the position spanning the protrusion 30 than at other positions. Therefore, the height h2 of the sealing member 7 from the surface of the partition 3 is uniform throughout the entire extending direction of the sealing member 7, applied to... Figure 3The fluctuation of linear pressure (sealing load) at the top of the sealing member 7 of the electrode assembly 2 (frame 21) is eliminated, and the sealing performance is improved.

[0066] The widths w1 and w2 of the groove 13 of the sealing member 7 and the clamp 10B are set according to the maximum pressure of the gas flowing in the gas channel, the material of the sealing member 7, and the compressive load applied to the sealing member 7. The ratio of width w1 to width w2 can also be based on the coating position of the sealing member 7 on the surface of the partition 3, the shape of the protrusion 30, etc. Figure 9 The characteristics of the resin material shown can be determined, and the determination can also be made through the trial production of the fixture 10B (fixture body 11) and the sealing member 7.

[0067] Figure 15 This is a front view showing an example of the sealing structure of the plate-shaped member according to the second embodiment, showing the sealing structure near the through hole 311 (fuel gas supply channel PA1) of the partition (anode partition) 3 opposite to the electrode assembly 2 (frame 21). Figure 15 As shown, the sealing structure of the plate-shaped member includes: a partition 3 having a protrusion 30; and a sealing member 7 disposed on the surface of the partition 3 in a manner spanning the protrusion 30. The height h2 of the sealing member 7 from the surface of the partition 3 is uniform, and the width w (w1, w2) of the sealing member 7 narrows at the position spanning the protrusion 30.

[0068] Thus, in the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the clamp 10B is constructed such that the width w (width w of the groove 13) between the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113 of the clamp body 11 narrows at the position corresponding to the recess 115, thereby enabling the formation of a sealing member 7 with a uniform height. Furthermore, since the height h1 of the groove 13 of the clamp 10B is uniform, similar to the first embodiment, a sealing member 7 following the shape of the groove 13 can be formed using a single screen coating with the scraper 16.

[0069] The following effects can be achieved by adopting this implementation method.

[0070] (1) A clamp 10B for screen coating a sealing member 7 on the surface of a partition 3 having a protrusion 30 in a manner spanning the protrusion 30 has a clamp body 11 consisting of a member having a higher stiffness than the sealing member 7 and placed on the surface of the partition 3. Figure 12The clamp body 11 has a first surface 11a opposite to the surface of the partition 3; a second surface 11b opposite to the first surface 11a; and a pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113 extending from the first surface 11a to the second surface 11b and dividing at least a portion of the clamp body 11 into a first portion 111 and a second portion 112. The first surface 11a has recesses 115, 115, which engage with the protrusions 30 of the partition 3 at their intersections 114, 114 with the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113. The height h1 of the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113 from the first surface 11a to the second surface 11b is uniform, and the width w between the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113 narrows at positions corresponding to the recesses 115, 115.

[0071] In this way, by providing a recess 115 that engages with the protrusion 30 on the surface of the partition 3, displacement of the jig body 11 relative to the coating surface can be limited during coating, allowing for precise screen coating on the surface of the partition 3. Furthermore, by using a jig body 11 with relatively higher rigidity than the sealing member 7 for screen coating, it is possible to prevent the sealing member 7 from being coated outside the groove 13, thus coating and forming a sealing member 7 in the shape of the groove 13. Additionally, by making the depth (height) h1 of the groove 13 uniform, the sealing member 7 can be formed in a single screen coating operation using the scraper 16. Moreover, by narrowing the width w of the groove 13 at the location corresponding to the recess 115 engaging with the protrusion 30 on the surface of the partition 3, it is possible to prevent the sealing member 7 from bulging across the protrusion 30, resulting in a sealing member 7 with a uniform height h2.

[0072] (2) The convex portion 30 is configured with a curved cross-sectional shape, for example, a semi-cylindrical shape. Figure 12 Even when the protrusion 30 is bent and the sealing member 7 coated on the protrusion 30 is prone to expansion, by narrowing the width w of the groove 13 and the sealing member 7 at the position across the protrusion 30, it is possible to prevent bulging at the position across the protrusion 30 and form a sealing member 7 with a uniform height h2.

[0073] (3) A pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113 enclose one of the first part 111 and the second part 112. Figure 12 The fixture 10B also has a connecting portion 12 that connects the first portion 111 and the second portion 112. Even when the pair of dividing surfaces 113, 113 (grooves 13) are arranged in a ring shape and the fixture body 11 is completely divided, screen coating can be performed accurately by providing the connecting portion 12.

[0074] (4) The sealing member 7 is a resin member. Even if the sealing member 7 is coated via the groove 13 of the clamp 10, the aspect ratio of the width w to the cured thickness d is determined by the thixotropic properties of the resin material. Taking this characteristic into consideration, by narrowing the width w at the position of the protrusion 30 across which the thickness d should be reduced, the height h2 of the cured sealing member 7 from the surface of the partition 3 can be made uniform.

[0075] (5) The sealing structure of the plate-shaped member includes: a partition 3 having a protrusion 30; and a sealing member 7 disposed on the surface of the partition 3 in a manner that spans the protrusion 30. Figures 13-15 The height h2 of the sealing member 7 from the surface of the partition 3 is uniform, and the width w of the sealing member 7 narrows at the position spanning the protrusion 30. When using the sealing member 7 and forming a sealed space facing the partition 3 or other plate-shaped member with the protrusion 30, the sealing performance of the sealed space can be ensured by making the height h2 of the sealing member 7 uniform.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the example described is a screen coating fixture for screen coating a sealing member 7 onto the surface of the separator 3 of a fuel cell in a manner that spans the protrusion 30 forming a gas connecting channel, and a sealing structure of the separator 3. However, the screen coating fixture and the sealing structure of the plate-shaped member are not limited to this. The protrusion is any member that protrudes from the surface of the plate-shaped member coating the sealing member, and is not limited to a hollow structure forming a gas connecting channel. The sealing member is any member that spans the protrusion, and the extending direction of the protrusion does not need to be orthogonal to the extending direction of the sealing member. The surface of the plate-shaped member only needs to have the protrusion and the portion other than the protrusion, and the area occupied by the protrusion does not need to be smaller than the area occupied by the portion other than the protrusion. For example, for a plate-shaped member that has a groove or other recess, the portion other than the recess can also be considered as a protrusion to apply the present invention. In this case, by making the width of the sealing member wider at the position spanning the recess of such a plate-shaped member, and by making the width between a pair of dividing surfaces of the clamp body wider at the position corresponding to the protrusion that fits into the recess of such a plate-shaped member, a sealing member with uniform height can be formed.

[0077] It is possible to combine one or more of the above-described embodiments and variations, and to combine the variations with each other.

[0078] Using this invention, highly uniform sealing components can be formed.

[0079] The present invention has been described above in conjunction with preferred embodiments, but those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A screen coating fixture (10B) for screen coating a sealing member (7) onto the surface of a plate-shaped member (3) having a protrusion (30) extending along a first direction, the sealing member (7) being configured to cross the protrusion (30) in a second direction intersecting the first direction, characterized in that, have: The clamp body (11) is made of a component with higher rigidity than the sealing component (7) and is placed on the surface of the plate-shaped component (3). The clamp body (11) has: The first surface (11a) is opposite to the surface of the plate-shaped member (3); The second surface (11b) on the opposite side of the first surface (11a); and A pair of dividing surfaces (113, 113) extending from the first surface (11a) to the second surface (11b) divide at least a portion of the fixture body (11) into a first part (111) and a second part (112). The first surface (11a) has a recess (115, 115) that engages with the protrusion (30) of the plate member (3) starting from the intersection (114, 114) with the pair of dividing surfaces (113, 113). The height of the pair of segmented surfaces (113, 113) from the first surface (11a) to the second surface (11b) is uniform. The width between the pair of dividing surfaces (113, 113) narrows at the position corresponding to the recess (115, 115).

2. The screen coating fixture (10B) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion (30) is curved.

3. The screen coating fixture (10B) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pair of dividing surfaces (113, 113) surround one of the first portion (111) and the second portion (112). The screen coating fixture (10B) also includes a connecting portion (12) that connects the first portion (111) and the second portion (112).

4. The screen coating fixture (10B) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pair of dividing surfaces (113, 113) are arranged in a ring shape.

5. The screen coating fixture (10B) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sealing component (7) is made of resin material.

6. The screen coating fixture (10B) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ratio of the width between the pair of dividing surfaces (113, 113) at the position corresponding to the recess (115, 115) to the width between the pair of dividing surfaces (113, 113) at other positions is determined according to the thixotropic properties of the resin material.

7. The screen coating fixture (10B) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The protrusion (30) is a hollow member that forms a fluid channel on the surface of the plate-shaped member (3).

8. A sealing structure for a plate-shaped component (3), characterized in that, have: Plate-shaped member (3), having a protrusion (30) extending along a first direction; and A sealing member (7) is disposed on the surface of the plate member (3) in a manner that extends across the protrusion (30) in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The sealing member (7) has a uniform height from the surface of the plate member (3). The width of the sealing member (7) narrows at the position spanning the protrusion (30). The sealing member (7) is formed by screen coating using the screen coating fixture (10B) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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